In Eagle Butte, S.D., on the Cheyenne River Lakota Reservation, tribal citizens can find high-quality traditional foods, such as bison and wild rice, at Wóyute Natural Foods & Apothecary.

For owner Donita Fischer (Cheyenne River Lakota), the business she launched in 2023 is a testament to food sovereignty and a commitment to her community.

“Access to healthy foods is really important to me,” Fischer said. “Watching my parents and grandparents succumb to different ailments because of the Western diet introduced to our areas made access to healthy foods a key issue for me.”

Like many Native Americans of their generation who didn't have access to their traditional diets, Fischer's grandparents and mother had diabetes.

“My mom never wanted any of us to get diabetes,” Fischer said. “This is all kind of like a legacy to her.”

Supported by Four Bands Community Fund, a certified Native CDFI, Wóyute is thriving in a business incubator that provides essential services and a low-risk environment for growth. Executive Director Lakota Vogel shares insights on the importance of creating physical spaces for small businesses in underserved markets.

Tune in to the Difference Makers 2.0 podcast to hear Donita Fischer and Lakota Vogel discuss their journey and vision for a sustainable, community-focused food economy.